CDC ADDS CERVICAL VACCINE TO VFC PROGRAM

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added Gardasil (Merck
& Co) to its Vaccines for Children (VFC) contract. The vaccine, approved by the FDA
in June 2006, protects against 4 strains of the human papillomavirus.

The decision will make the vaccine available for girls and women aged 9 to 18
years who are eligible for the program. The vaccine was approved for females aged
9 to 26. The VFC program provides access to vaccines for children through age 18
who are eligible for Medicaid or are uninsured, underinsured, or Native American,
according to the drugmaker.